Boise County, Idaho

Boise County is a county located in the state of Idaho in the United States of America. The county seat and largest city is Boise, the state capital. Boise County is part of the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area, which is the most populous metropolitan area in Idaho.

Geography

Boise County is located in the southwestern part of the state, along the Oregon border. It is bordered by Washington County to the north, Payette County to the west, Canyon County to the east, and Owyhee County to the south. The county has an area of 1,030 square miles, of which 1,008 square miles is land and 22 square miles is water.

History

Boise County was established on February 4, 1864. It was named after the Boise River, which was named by French-Canadian fur trappers in the 1820s. The county was originally part of Owyhee County, which was created in 1863.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 718,922 people, 302,898 households, and 190,919 families residing in the county. The population density was 710.7 inhabitants per square mile (274.3/km2). There were 327,907 housing units at an average density of 325.1 per square mile (125.3/km2).

Economy

The economy of Boise County is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and government services. The county is home to several major agricultural companies, such as Simplot, J.R. Simplot Company, and Boise Cascade. Tourism is a major industry in the county, with many tourists visiting the area to take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities. The county is also home to several government agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho National Laboratory.

Education

Boise County is served by the Boise School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools in the county. The district also operates an alternative school and a vocational-technical school. The county is also home to several private schools, including the Boise Christian School, Boise Montessori School, and the Boise Waldorf School.

Transportation

Boise County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 84, U.S. Route 95, and State Highway 55. The county is also served by the Boise Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. The county is also served by several bus and rail lines, including the Valley Regional Transit and the Amtrak Empire Builder.

Points of Interest

Boise County is home to several points of interest, including the Boise River Greenbelt, the Idaho State Capitol, and the Boise National Forest. The county is also home to several museums, such as the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.